Protecting Olive Ridleys: Our Second Year in Lo de Marcos

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and it certainly feels that way. It’s hard to believe we’ve already wrapped up our second year in Lo de Marcos, working side by side with Campamento Tortuguero LDM to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles.

This year, our small but mighty team of citizen scientists relocated 903 eggs from ten nests to the safety of the hatchery and released 316 baby sea turtles that hatched during our stay, starting their journey down the beach and into the open ocean. We also helped maintain the hatchery by cleaning nests, creating new labels for nest boxes, and making fresh signs for the beach.

Our contribution is not just in sweat and effort. A portion of each participant’s expedition fee goes directly to the local project as a cash donation, which helps cover operating costs and supplies. This year, we also provided three long-range red lights for night patrols, essential equipment for monitoring the beach safely without disturbing nesting turtles.

Each day of the expedition brings a mix of conservation and connection. We attend lectures, take part in beach cleanups, hike through the jungle, go birding, and visit the local school. And even with full days, there’s still time to enjoy the beach.

The true heart of this project lies with the people of Lo de Marcos. In this small fishing village of about 2,500 residents, the turtle program is entirely run by local volunteers whose passion and dedication keep it alive year-round. Their commitment to protecting this precious species is nothing short of remarkable, and it is a privilege to support their work.

Planning for next year has already begun, and I cannot wait to return. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, this project is a reminder of what hope looks like when people come together for a shared purpose.